Updated OpenNTF IP Policies

Posted by Peter Tanner on May 24, 2011

We have started to work on some changes
in how you can post your projects on OpenNTF – changes that, over time,
will enforce the IP
Policy that the Steering Committee
adopted late in 2010. When all the changes are completed, it will
mean that:– only those covered by an ICLA
or CCLA
(aka "Contributors")
can create Projects– Projects will remain invisible
until:– all contributors to the Project (not
just the creator) are covered by an ICLA or CCLA– The creator provides assurance that
any 3rd party code in the submission has been handled correctly.– While Projects are invisible, you
will still be able to enable others to contribute or observe.

So, what does this mean today? The
only big change you will notice is that when you create
a Project or Release, you will
see that it reminds you that you need to be covered by an ICLA or CCLA.
And, unless your name is in the list
of "Contributors", you
won't be able to create a Project or Release.

You will also notice a smaller change.
In the Project and Release pages, it states which Releases have been
accepted in the OpenNTF Catalog. These are releases that have been
through an IP, documentation and functionality check.

The support for making Projects invisible
will come at a later date.

These changes to the site are a work
in progress – and there are bound to be issues. If you have sent
us an ICLA or CCLA but still cannot create a Project or Release, or have
any other issue or question – send a note to IP-Manager at openntf dot
org.

Why are these changes being made? Simply
because the Steering Committee wants OpenNTF to be a source of code that
people can have faith in. Where one can download with some assurance
that they will have a legal right to actually use the code. And the
main point of an ICLA or CCLA is providing us with the assurance that the
Contributor actually has the legal right to make contribute the code to
a Project.